Mulch versus Gravel

As you are braving the heat and getting into “design mode”, it is time to decide whether or not to put down mulch or rock in your garden beds. You’ll need to consider the pros and cons of each option.

The first question to contemplate is “what is the purpose of my garden bed?” If you are planning to grow flowering plants and shrubs that need lots of water and proper drainage, then you want to lay mulch. However, if you are creating a bed that requires little maintenance, and can withstand the heat well, then you have some options to consider.

One of the key benefits of mulch is that it stabilizes the temperature of the soil, keeps weeds out relatively well, and retains moisture. Mulch has to be replenished at least annually, if not even a few times within the spring-fall season. However, it is cheaper than gravel. Also, if you place organic mulch in your garden, then as it breaks down into the ground, it will also improve the quality of the soil’s structure. Dyed mulch looks nice and retains its color longer, but it can also stain your concrete if water runs off the mulch and onto your concrete. So if you are debating which type of mulch to get, decide whether or not it is more important that the mulch remain a strong color most of the season or whether or not the mulch is environmentally-friendly. Another reason to choose mulch is to avoid pests. Lace bugs will come after the plants and shrubs if the garden bed is filled with rock. The bugs often stay away when you lay mulch.

So why would you want to put down bed rock you ask? If you have had termites or are concerned about the risk of termites, then rock is a great option for you. Rock will not attract termites whereas mulch will because it is broken down wood. Also, if you are convinced rock is the “look” you prefer, then this is a cost-effective option because once the rock is down, rarely does it need to be replaced. One of the biggest challenges with putting down gravel is that weeds easily pop through. You can significantly reduce weed growth by putting a high quality landscape fabric down in the garden bed, and then placing the rocks on top of the fabric.

You have many options to consider, but if you take on this project, you will be sure to improve the look of your landscape.